We mean ‘beautiful’ in a quirky, gnarly, decidedly unnerving way, as you can see. The raw material is from a natural source (latex trees) but after becoming the vulcanized product of human industry, as Yong Ho says, “the look is scary“. Being tough and flexible, tire rubber is a powerfully versatile modelling material in the hands of the right artist. Yong Ho’s interest is in turning some of our millions of unwanted tires into animal art with a difference.

His creatures are often fantastical and fearsome versions of ones we already know – in other words, mutants. They are designed to provoke questions over mankind’s current obsession with genetic engineering and applied ecology, and to evoke an emotional response. They only look fierce until you notice their expressions.

Yong Ho’s first US exhibition was held in New York in 2008, and his work is widely available in art auctions worldwide (through companies like the world-famous Christie’s). He is officially represented by the Gana Art Gallery.